Consumers Energy to make $225 million upgrade to natural gas system in Michigan this year

Consumers Energy announced on Monday that it will make a $225 million upgrade to its natural gas system in Lower Michigan, including the replacement of 86 miles of piping, and improved system infrastructure to ensure safety.

“At Consumers Energy we know that safe, reliable delivery of natural gas is a top priority to our customers and our company,” Consumers Energy VP of Gas Operations Charles Crews said. “That is why we are committed to an ongoing program that will strengthen our natural gas system to benefit the over 1.7 million homes and businesses we serve throughout Lower Michigan.”

Consumers Energy will make various upgrades to the natural gas infrastructure in the lower part of the state. Approximately $75 million will be spent on 60 projects to upgrade and replace 86 miles of older piping with steels and plastic to improve safety and energy reliability.

The company will also make significant infrastructure enhancements to improve reliable gas service to businesses, including the development of new piping systems, updates to roads, and installing natural gas compressors to improve access to natural gas for residents and businesses. Approximately $31 million will be invested to enhance the availability of natural gas for new businesses, while $17 million will be spent to pressurize the pipeline system to increase efficiency and reliability without compromising safety.